Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-15
AMUSENHENTS.

Mr.. WILSON BARRETT AT THE NaTIoNAL-When
dian strobe hauttly upon the beautiful and ami
mated scene OF the slave mart at ByZantium last
night ripple OF applause went through the large
audience as token OF welcome TO the young Eng
ltSh actor who then made his first appearance on
the stage of the national capital This sign OF
kindly FEELING toward the new candidate for favor
was but an earnest or what was TO follow, as the
unfolding action OF Mr.. Henry Herman's poetic
tragedy afforded Mr.. Barrett opportunity to exer-
else the powers with which he has been so gener-
ously endowed and to reveal his knowledge Of the
resources OF the art to which he has devoted him.
self with such good results. Mr. Barrett from
man who would easily dominate every scene in
which he participated Athletic yet grace
ful OF build, firm of step, quick and
utterance, and still somehow preserving a repOse-
1ul air OF calm sei1-poSSeSSiOn and high inLell1-
gence, clouded by the arrogant pride Of vast
wealth and power, MIR. BarTeJJ'S Cydudidn was a
figure that at once drew the attention with ex-
ceptional force. This result was achieved by
methods so simple, natural and directly the in
telligent play OF yrile powers which ask little aid
OF the mere trickery Of the stage-that at first it
was not easy to discover the sources of the actors
strength. And II there were any who felt some
shade OF disappointment with Mr.. Barrett'S work,
In this extreme naturalneSS OF method will doubt
less be found the cause. Perhaps the character
or the tragedy in which he appeared last night,
toO did not give Mr.. Barrett the best oppOrtU-
mites Tor play upon the more purely human emo
lions, and for evOking that cumulative interest
which would grow out of story developing stead
lily from the first scene to fnal catastrophe or
denOuement The theme Of "Claudian" is grand
and poetic, but this very grandeur Of
depth OF interest which moves the heart to the
utmost. 1t should not be understood from this that
MI. Barrett did not stir his audience deeply. He
was recalled at the end OF each act again and
again. Al the end of the second act after repeated
recalls he made brief and most fe!icitous speech,
warmly thanking the audience for the generous
warmth OF their welcome and apOlOgiZing for a
severe cold which had seriously affected his voice
He expressed the hope, however. that in the re-
hpr ha nI,lA no l,Io
10 do his very best and merit the Kindness which
had been shown him.
Miss Eastlake did ample justice to the role of
Atnsiota, a somewhat gloomy part which Is said
not at all 10 show the lady her best Miss East
lake Is evidently an actress OF thorough training
and much power. Mr.. HudSOn's Ietrarch is
strange and ferOciOuS ngure. Mr.. Bernage as
Betos was very good; so was Miss BelmOre as
EdGsso. Mr. Fulton as Clement. the hermit, in the
prologue, was warmly applauded. All the scenery
OF the play was very fine. The earthquake scene,
despite slight accident, was effective and was
this evening. Mr.. Barrett makes his only appear
ance as Hamlet tomorrow night This is an i'm
PRESERVATION which has excited great deal OF dis
cuSSiOn, as Mr. Barrett'S conception OF the part
differs widely from the traditional Hamlet
ALBAUGHs OPERA HOUsE--A weil-filled house
greeted the first presentation In this city last night
OF 81 Erminie." The scenery and costumes are re-
markable for richness and beauty, and the stage
pictures were very striking. The set for the sec
ond act is marvel OF the scene painters art.
There is little 10 the story OF 50 Ermne" and the
music is OF purely incidental character. Several
OF the nunberSare pretty and catchy" and were
vigorously re-denlanded last night. great
amount OF nCt-ever delicate comedy is put into the
piece by MesSrs. Daboll and Solomon. Miss Bertha
Ricci always pleasing artist, was entirely salts
factory in the title role. "Erninie" Will remain
at AlbaU9h'S all the week.
HARRIS' BIJOU THEATER--Mr. DOminick Muir
ray, an actor who has had marked success In the
legitimate, appeared at the Bijou last night in the
sensational drama, Escaped from Sing Singn
which, while not worthy OF his best powers, al
fOrded him opportunities for forcible acting which
aroused the audience To enthusiasm.
kERNASS THEATRR.-Ab bill that Is sure to please
all lovers OF nrst-claSS variety Is afforded at
kernan's this week. The list OF performers is
long and the names are nearly all those OF eStab-
liShed 1ayorites.
THE ATTIC FAIR is in its last week at the Light
Infantry arInory, and every lady who visits it is
presented with souvenir In the shape Of curious
Specimen OF Mexican pottery.
IHE JAPANESE VILLAGE, With increased attrac-
lions, Will remain Tor some days longer at the E
street rink The young people find this exhibition
peculiarly delightful.
THE MANASSAS PANORAMA firmly holds its own
despite the multiplicity OF amusements just now,
and Is visited daily by goOdly numbers OF people,
who go away delighted.
The DIME MUSEUM this week presents its
patrons With "CoiiarS and Cuffs Of a style that
eXcites them TO frequent and hearty Laughter
The farce Is vigorously funny.